California, Protect Children From Toxic Pesticides Sprayed By Agricultural Businesses

The purpose of this petition is to request the California Department of Pesticide Regulation protect children in their homes, childcare centers, family childcare homes, private and public schools by creating a 1/4 mile buffer zone between them and toxic chemicals and pesticides used by agricultural businesses.

California has many laws and regulations to protect its citizens, wildlife, aquatic life and water sources from the short and long-term effects of toxic chemicals.

California regulation DPR 16-004, which goes into effect Sept 2017, stops the use of agricultural pesticides within 1/4 mile from public K-12 schools and child day-care facilities Mon-Fri, 6am-6pm. It is a great start but does not go far enough.

What about where our children live? Toxic chemicals should not be sprayed by agricultural businesses near our homes or schools.

We ask Director Brian K. Leahy and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to expand the regulation to completely stop the use of all toxic agricultural pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc. within 1/4 mile of all residences, public and private schools, and child centers and family child care homes. This buffer zone will help protect our children from these toxic chemicals.

We also ask the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to form a public forum, publicized open meetings and a website presence to discuss the use of non-toxic alternatives instead of toxic chemicals and pesticides used in agriculture and ways to support farmers and companies in implementing changes. The public has shown support for organic farming and produce.

As taxpayers and concerned citizens, we believe toxic chemicals for agricultural farming have no place close to children or in the food they eat.